A courier service can provide efficient delivery operations that can add value. It can speed up the overall process, meaning that deliveries can be made sooner and in a more effective way. For example, the customer will be able to expect a much higher level of service. To increase your courier business efficiency, you need to keep customers updated on real-time information regarding their delivery. These include a visual view of where their package may be at all times during the delivery. This is typically done via an app or portal login area these days. It means a greater degree of control can be has during the process of getting your goods from A to B.
Delivery schedules can help in no end of ways
One of the many reasons packages seem to not arrive at a customer’s location are package thieves. They won’t hesitate to trespass on someone’s property to steal other people’s deliveries. While homeowners are welcome to install security cameras, it doesn’t solve the problem, especially if they’re not at home. As a retailer, you can set up a service that allows your customers to schedule the delivery so they’ll be prepared to receive their package. You can also set up options for how fast you want your parcel to be delivered, with varying price ranges. Sameday couriers could for sure be the way to go.
Delivery tracking is key
Some stores only allow standard delivery options without the reassurance that the customer will receive them. You can choose to make use of a delivery tracking software to ensure that the packages will arrive. It’s essential to keep your customers informed about the status of their delivery. A good courier will be able to do this. While it’s impossible on the part of the customer, you’ll need to coordinate with the shipping company so you can send email notifications that remind them of an approaching delivery.
Assess speed of delivery too
The time it takes for your customers to receive their items from your courier service can impact the reputation of your business and increase (or decrease) your overall sales. This is because the happier your customers are, the more likely they are to buy again from you. A recent survey on delivery times found that most customers buying online in the United Kingdom expect a maximum delivery time of three to five days. If your competition is high, then you may need even shorter delivery times – especially when selling on marketplaces. Therefore, it can be a good idea to explore your opportunities with inventory management software. It can automate many different tasks and maximise the efficiency of your order fulfilment processes.
Take the time to research what your competitors are doing and send out a survey or social media poll to see what your customers expect from online deliveries. After all, the more research you do, then the more likely you are to getting the best service. If next day delivery or same day delivery is essential for your industry and business, you may not necessarily need to pay more for a faster courier service. You can factor these extra costs into the shipping fees your customers pay you.
Proof of delivery
If customers are not receiving their orders, there’s a tendency to blame the business automatically. Therefore, an electronic document or proof of the delivery will serve as an official document that the customer has received the ordered items. Depending on the courier service, they may also require a photograph of the customer receiving the package, as well as their signature.
The best bit is the way the customer will be of benefit
Delivery service is one of the most important factors which can influence consumers’ perceptions of a business. With the competition high and consumers expecting next and same day deliveries, it’s essential you are meeting those demands. Outsourcing a courier service, on the whole, will offer a speedier delivery. This is as they already have fast and efficient processes in place. Due to an excellent level of service, you can expect a boost in your customer service ratings. Happy customers can result in more potential business.
Developing a good relationship with a reliable and efficient courier will be beneficial in the long-term as your business expands. A good, reliable courier will be able to adapt your delivery strategies. This is vital to help your business in the most effective way and a widened reach to your customers. With the various services a courier is able to provide, they can reach people internationally.
It will deliver value for money in the long-term
People often make the mistake of assuming that by doing everything in-house, you are going to save money. However, if you are having to take time out to make the deliveries yourself, it costs you time and resources and takes away concentration from the core business. Relying on a trusted courier service will have a positive impact on productivity, efficiency and profitability. Similarly, by outsourcing your courier service you won’t need to spend money on your own fleet. You will also save on the vehicle and personnel expenses that come along with it.
You will be able to see what is going on in greater detail
Delayed deliveries are a pet hate of customers and many courier companies struggle with this. A common performance factor where carriers seem to be struggling is regarding a lack of notification when they are either going to be late for a delivery or fail to deliver at all. Demonstrating efficient and effective communication is key to maintaining customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction is pivotal in the current climate. The ever-increasing demand for excellence in delivery is putting more pressure on parcel operators. To add to this, overall service levels often failing to meet expectations. However, with the relevant and efficient frameworks in place, customer satisfaction can be improved and restored.
Be sure to compare and research between service providers
As technology has advanced and made our lives easier and busier than ever before, our buying habits and expectations of online businesses has also changed. On top of you needing to manage your business and team every day, online buyers prefer fast and efficient delivery times. They also want quality customer service and expect great online shopping experiences all around. Have a look around and see what there is for you. Look who may be able to do this work for you.
Look out for any service limitations
It’s worth noting that the size and weight of your products may affect the delivery partner you choose, either due to extra costs for delivering larger items or because some courier services do not have the means to carry big and heavy products. Courier services use volumetric weight to measure your items, which helps them to determine how large and heavy your products are. This is taken as the actual weight of the item and will impact whether or not they are able to ship and deliver your products.
Overall
When it comes to selling online, one of the most important aspects is finding the best courier service to grow your business. You need to ensure that you provide a positive shipping experience in order to enjoy more business growth and success. Fortunately, once your customers are content with the delivery of their items, you’re more likely to enjoy an increase in repeat sales. You will also be able to build a better online reputation that can result in more first-time sales.
